We received and used the tool last week. It's just great. Like microwave ovens and ATM'S and autopilots, I can't figure out how we lived so long without it.

The smallest expansion is somewhat too long to be able to place the ends against both pulleys, so I put the crankshaft pulley end aft of the big pulley and the other end on the alternator belt. (NOTE: 10/14/2008 - since changed, see photos below) A few turns and the tool tightened the belt to within acceptable limits, not over tight, and all is well. I loosened the pivot bolt, but left the lower port side bolt on the alternator bracket tight. (NOTE: 10/14/2008 - since changed, loosened all, tightened when tensioner was still in place)

The new position still leaves a tiny bit more room for adjustment at the alternator bracket adjustment bolt at the engine side, which we may never need to use. We could never get that adjustment arm down this far even when levering up the alternator through the door to the head. We use a 7400 length belt to keep the alternator away from the water elbow and the oil filter.

This tool makes us three armed paper hangers. The price is definitely worth it.

Thanks again to Steve Hansen for the link to the J C Whitney catalog. It's definitely a tool worth having on board.

I had been getting significant dusting after adding my Balmar 80A alternator, even after aligning the best I could, by shimming fore/aft. I just finished a 300+ mile, two week cruise and had little dusting. The simple little tool from JC Whitney is a required tool now for me.

Yet again, another example of the amazing value of C34 organization membership.

Hello everyone,Called JCW and gave them the part number and they no longer carry this belt tensioner tool. Also searched the Harbor Freight site with no luck. Does anyone know where I can find this tool?

The Admiral is going to be amazed. I am not going to buy this tool, something she vary rarely hears! I have never had a problem adjusting the belt. Loosen all the bolts, open the access door in the head and pull on the top of the alternator. Tighten the bolt on the arm. Check tension. If too tight, just cracking the adjustment arm bolt slightly generally is enough to get enough slack. If not tight enough, loosen the adjustment arm and pull the top of the alternator a little harder. Generally never takes more that 2 checks to get it right. Don't forget to tighten up the other mount bolts when you are done.